Instrument panel indicator and idiot lights...Why run them? Lets see what is being used and what they indicate? here is what im thinking of running in my car... green for turn, red for key on, Blue high beam, Amber? (not sure yet)
I would take a different approach to installing indicator lamps. Generally speaking I'd be inclined to have them on the same panel with the instruments. I'd have the turn signal indicators out at the far left and right of the panel in locations that would not ***ociate them with any of the gauges. If I had four-way flashers I'd use the turn signal indicators for those, too. I'd use amber for these. Amber indicates something I need to notice, but not something that needs to cause alarm. The high beam indicator would be top, center and blue. On your panel it would be above and between the speedometer and tachometer. If I was going to have a "key on" indicator, it would be above the ignition switch and green. For me, green simply indicates a normal operational state. Warning lights related to things like oil pressure, fuel level, water temperature, or the charging system would be red and adjacent to their respective gauges to draw my eye to the gauge which gives information about the thing that needs my attention. These would be the only types of things I would use red indicators for. A red lamp should indicate an emergency or at least something that requires my immediate attention. On your panel it looks like there would be room below your smaller gauges for these if you were going to have them. Depending on the rest of the interior design I might go with smaller lamps than you seem to have chosen, but that's a styling consideration which means it's a matter of opinion. That's my approach. I expect others would do this differently.
My Studebaker has two indicator lamps. The blue for high beams and a single green for the turn signals. I would like to think you know which way you're turning, and you should be watching the gauges anyways.
I use red for interior brake light indicator mounted high. , large red for low oil pressure Under 30 psi, green for ign on. Amber for foglights. No high beam for now, no turn signals. Vintage race car rat rod
I taped into the brake lites power (at the lite itself) and ran a line back to two sm red lites on the dash panel.. I can tell if/when brake lights go on which helps with a mech. brake lite switch etc etc.... Pontiac Slim
Here's the setup an my '28 roadster pickup. I've had that "FIRE" lite for years and finally figured how to use it. It's connected to the "start" position on the ignition switch and lights up when you "fire'" the engine. Kinda dumb but I like it.
If you need an ignition ON indicator, you need louder mufflers! Seriously, use red for oil pressure, even with a gauge. I've got similar lamps for my 29 Sedan, use resistors to dim them down a bit, especially the HI Beam indicator and the turn signals.
We've been using LEDs from the Shack for our indicator lights. Just make sure they are bright enough for daytime use without a top in an open car.
How about something like this? We have alot of guys mount behind the panel for a more seamless look Mark
Heres mine. Plenty of light from these little jewels. I am using same approach in 40 pickup with the addition of red also for the suicide latch on the door.
if the lights are too bright i just put a little piece of scotch pad in the lens and it looks perfect when lit
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